Confused About the New Primary Election Balloting - Go to www.awb.org for Clarification.
You are not alone if you are confused about the new primary election system. By visiting www.awb.org, AWB can help you learn how the new system works. In a nutshell, while you do not have to register by political party or disclose your political party preference, you cannot cross party lines to vote. You have to vote the party line - whether it is Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Independent. If you cross party lines in the primary, your ballot will not count. Make your vote count - learn the new rules.

Don’t Like the New Party-Line Primary Election System? I-872 Can Change That in November!
You can change the new primary system on Nov. 2 by voting for I-872. I-872, sponsored by the Washington State Grange, allows the top two primary vote getters - regardless of political party - to advance to the general election. Visit www.wa-grange.org.

Legislative Endorsement Interviews – Coming Soon to Your Region!
AWB’s legislative candidate endorsement interviews have now been scheduled throughout the state. Our interview schedule is as follows: Aug. 12 (Vancouver – 17th, 18th and 49th districts); Aug. 16 (Marysville – 1st, 21st, 38th 44th districts); Aug. 17 (Puyallup – 2nd, 25th, 30th and 33rd districts); Aug. 18 (Seattle); Aug. 19 (Tri-Cities – 8th, 9th and 16th districts); Aug. 23 (Tacoma – 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 33rd districts); Aug. 24 (Gig Harbor – 23rd, 26th and 35th districts); Aug. 30 (Mount Vernon – 10th, 40th and 42nd districts); Sept. 1 (Spokane - 3rd, 6th and 7th districts) and Sept. 2 (Bellevue – 41st, 45th and 48th districts). If you would like to participate and are not already signed up, please contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

AWB Pushes Up Judicial Endorsements – Look for Our Recommendations Next Week!
AWB’s Legal Affairs Committee has finished interviewing State Supreme Court candidates. Judicial endorsement recommendations will be sent to the Executive Committee on Wednesday. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

UI Committee Meeting Rescheduled – Mark Your Calendars!
The UI Committee will now meet Aug. 16, 1-4:30 p.m. at Weyerhaeuser’s Federal Way offices at the EC4-209 building. The 2004 legislative objective will be reviewed, ideas for new legislation will be presented, anticipated legislation from other proponents will be discussed and the committee’s legislative objectives will be finalized. This will be a voting meeting. Deadline for issue ideas: August 9. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Ron Sims Unveils Tax Plan – Would Wipe Out B&O Tax and Replace with Progressive Income Tax!
In a sweeping new announcement, King Co. Executive Ron Sims unveiled his plan to eliminate the B&O tax and state portion of the sales tax and replace it with a progressive income tax. AWB’s tax and fiscal policy committee is reviewing the proposal. See www.ronsimsforgovernor.com for details.

Washington Business Magazine Question of the Week - Win a Free AWB Pocket Tool!
Find the voting records for Gov. Locke, Rep. Linville and Sen. Hewitt and send percentages to AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at BonnieM@awb.org. Those correctly identifying the voting records win an AWB pocket tool. It’s rewarding to read Washington Business Magazine.

Nominate Your Business for an Environmental Excellence Award – Go to www.awb.org!
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize members who go the extra mile to protect Washington’s environment. The awards will be presented Oct. 19 at our annual Environmental Conference (Oct. 19-20, Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle). The nomination deadline is Sept. 10. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Advertise in Next Issue of Washington Business Magazine – Act Now!
There is still space for advertisements in the next issue of Washington Business Magazine. With the magazine now on newsstands, this is a great advertising opportunity. Contact Deb Haydon at (425) 379-9417 or DebAQP@awb.net.

Remember – We Need Your Input on AWB’s Annual Membership Poll!
Our annual membership poll will be conducted this month. This survey will help AWB identify issues and find new ways to help you. Our annual Washington Business Magazine readership survey will also be conducted this month. When you receive the survey, be sure to complete it and return it as quickly as possible. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.